Guatemala is another country rich in attractions. Areas of interest are the Altiplano or highlands, Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala; the Petén, the tropical forest setting of Tikal; Alta and Baja Verapaz; and the Caribbean coast.
Considered the cradle of Classic period civilization, Tikal was occupied from 800 B.C. to A.D. 900. Landmark structures include Temples I and II, the North Acropolis, Central Acropolis, the Pre-Classic Plaza of the Great Pyramid and Temple IV, which at 74 m is the tallest pyramid in the Maya World.
Guatemala City is the nation's modern capital and a good base of operations for visiting the country. It was founded in 1776 and much of its late, baroque-style colonial architecture is still standing.
La Antigua Guatemala is perhaps the loveliest, if the most tragic city in Guatemala. It was capital of Central America for some 200 years and almost completely destroyed by earthquakes on more than one occasion. The ruins of 16th and 17th-century palaces, churches and convents give the place a mysterious, otherworldly air.
Many of the nation’s indigenous groups inhabit the highlands. Worth a visit are the villages of Panajachel, on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, Todos Santos Cuchumatán and Totonicapán. In Chichicastenango, visitors discover the traditions and mystic beliefs of the Quiché Maya.
Quetzaltenango is the capital of the western highlands. The Espíritu Santo Cathedral, City Hall and Teatro de la Ciudad (theater) date from the colonial period and 19th century.
Guatemala is easily reached from Quintana Roo. There are flights from Cancún to Guatemala City and to Flores in the Petén (Tikal). You can also drive to Flores from Chetumal (via Belize).
Guatemala is another country rich in attractions. Areas of interest are the Altiplano or highlands, Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala; the Petén, the tropical forest setting of Tikal; Alta and Baja Verapaz; and the Caribbean coast.
Considered the cradle of Classic period civilization, Tikal was occupied from 800 B.C. to A.D. 900. Landmark structures include Temples I and II, the North Acropolis, Central Acropolis, the Pre-Classic Plaza of the Great Pyramid and Temple IV, which at 74 m is the tallest pyramid in the Maya World.
Guatemala City is the nation's modern capital and a good base of operations for visiting the country. It was founded in 1776 and much of its late, baroque-style colonial architecture is still standing.
La Antigua Guatemala is perhaps the loveliest, if the most tragic city in Guatemala. It was capital of Central America for some 200 years and almost completely destroyed by earthquakes on more than one occasion. The ruins of 16th and 17th-century palaces, churches and convents give the place a mysterious, otherworldly air.
Many of the nation’s indigenous groups inhabit the highlands. Worth a visit are the villages of Panajachel, on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, Todos Santos Cuchumatán and Totonicapán. In Chichicastenango, visitors discover the traditions and mystic beliefs of the Quiché Maya.
Quetzaltenango is the capital of the western highlands. The Espíritu Santo Cathedral, City Hall and Teatro de la Ciudad (theater) date from the colonial period and 19th century.
Guatemala is easily reached from Quintana Roo. There are flights from Cancún to Guatemala City and to Flores in the Petén (Tikal). You can also drive to Flores from Chetumal (via Belize).
© 2004 Editorial Veras. La guía Oficial del Caribe Mexicano.